Comments on: Networking: It’s Not Rocket Science

By: Robert Kingston

Robert Kingston — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 02:36:45 +0000

Number 1 takes commitment. I find it really hard to meet up with many people who I’ve met over the years. To help this one though, I find creating groups of people in Facebook and adding people to Linked In can really help you manage contact details and build relationships.

By: Gregory Silvano

Gregory Silvano — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:02:16 +0000

Michael,

Great post. #4 is often overlooked but arguably one of the most important. I always make it a point to help as often/much as I can, and it always pays off – even if it’s years later.

By: dpdhunt

dpdhunt — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:12:33 +0000

Thanks some good points. I think people don’t like networking and sales in general as they fear rejection.

Once you get past that and the fact not everyone will like you all is good

By: Krishna De

Krishna De — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:27:09 +0000

I always used to hate the idea of networking probably as so many people try to ‘sell’ you something on meeting you and I for one certainly do not like to be sold to.

I always got pitched to as people found out I was on the board of a division of a FTSE 20 company.

It wasn’t until I set up my own business that I realised that the secret to successful networking was building relationships. Now I love networking and even teach people how to use networking as part of their brand engagement strategy.

But what I needed to do in the first instance was change my own mindset about networking and it’s value.

Certainly in Europe business networking is not something that many businesses invest in developing as a skill for their leaders.

Done right it’s certainly a strategy that will help us ride the recesssion.

By: Ed Roach

Ed Roach — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:00:43 +0000

#3 has always been the most effective for me. I make it a point to stay in touch. I enjoy being pro-active. People enjoy the fact that you respect them enough to stay in touch and offer your assistance.

Networking is all about them.

By: Noobpreneur

Noobpreneur — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 06:53:04 +0000

Michael,

To me, the most difficult networking tip to do is #3 – long term relationship building is an art

Thanks for the tips!

By: Business plan guy

Business plan guy — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:15:06 +0000

I used these tips when I need a job when I was made redundant many years ago. Your tip #1 in tougher times is a must. You must list *everyone* you know – business or otherwise – as you say, you never know what may come from it, and I actually received a long term contract from someone I just contacted on the “off chance” and to catch up with things…..